Colourfence is a winning product

Bringing a product successful in Australia over to the UK has proved a winning formula for the Colourfence founders and franchisees. Derin Ibrahim reports

With the popularity of gardening programmes such as 'Garden Invaders' and 'Ground Force' homeowners are increasingly viewing their gardens as an extension of their homes and, as a result, are valuing the look and style of their gardens as much as their interior design.

As fencing is an important aspect of a garden design many people seek to purchase fences that are stylish as well as durable. Having brought a product to the UK that has been used in Australia for 25 years, Colourfence sells fencing made from high tensile steel that makes it extremely strong but also very lightweight, in addition to it being aesthetically good looking.

The company's directors Mark Stewart-Woods and Brad Waugh established Colourfence in 2003, having moved to Britain with their families from Sydney that year. They set up the Colourfence head office in the Forest of Dean area in Gloucestershire, from where they now service the whole of the UK and all the franchisees.

After Colourfence entered the UK market it proved to be highly successful, with its product achieving the Gold Award at the Blenheim Palace Show as part of a show garden and in 2004 the company won the Silver Medal in the 'Best Labour Saving Product or Service' category of The National Gardening Awards.

As well as this Colourfence was listed in the top 10 products on the BBC Gardening website and its fencing has been used in the BBC television show 'Garden Invaders' on three occasions.

The Colourfence franchise package includes a 10 year licence to trade in a large protected territory, a commitment to match the franchisee's marketing expenditure pound for pound from central funds, full public relations support, future potential to subdivide territory, potentially £1 million plus business, and comprehensive training and support.

This franchise will suite those who are physically fit, want to work outdoors, have average handyman skills and have some sales or marketing experience. During the last 18 months Colourfence installed over 2,000 fences and with franchises available throughout the UK it could prove a great opportunity for the right person.

FRANCHISEE OF THE YEAR AWARD

On the Colourfence annual franchisee day the company announced the winners of its 'Franchisee of the Year' Award as David Faulkner and his fiancée Christine Boughton, who own the Northampton franchise. The prize the couple received for winning the award is a Caribbean cruise on the RMS Queen Mary.

Franchisees with Colourfence for three years, David and Christine have seen their turnover and interest in their product grow at a phenomenal rate during that time. 'Winning this award is fantastic news and we can't wait to go onboard,' says David Faulkner. 'It has been hard work starting and running my own business but it is so worthwhile I wish I had done it sooner.'

Mark Steward-Woods, Colourfence Managing Director, adds: 'It is really great to be able to reward our guys for the hard work they put into running their franchise and I am very happy that David and Christine walked off with this year's top prize. They really deserve it after all the hard work they have put in developing the business. I hope they have an amazing trip.'